Searchlight puts helmer in 'Corner'

Tillman will produce with State Street partner Teitel

By NICOLE LAPORTE, CHRIS GARDNER

Tillman

Gilfillan

Fox Searchlight has cornered State Street Pictures on a vigilante actioner penned by Pat Gilfillan. The indie division has picked up the script "Stephon's Corner" for State Street to produce and for shingle partner George Tillman to direct.

Visceral thriller follows the story of two single mothers who form a friendship after their children die during useless acts of violence. When the judicial system fails them, the duo set out on a killing spree through the underbelly of Chicago.

"I was excited when I first read Pat's script because here's a chance to make a movie that's socially relevant, original and entertaining all at once," Tillman told Daily Variety.

Helmer will produce with his State Street partner Bob Teitel. Shingle's veep of development and production Rene Rigal brought the project in and will get co-producer credit along with Kathy Lingg.

Gilfillan previously worked as a lawyer for the Labor Dept. State Street most recently produced the Fox Searchlight release "Roll Bounce."